Zambia snap losing streak with thrilling win over Sierra Leone

Zambia secured a much-needed 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in a gripping 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday evening. The win ended Zambia’s five-match losing streak and reignited their hopes of advancing in Group G.

The Copper Bullets started the match with intent, launching several attacks on Sierra Leone’s goal in the opening exchanges.

Despite Zambia’s early dominance, the Leone Stars looked dangerous on the counter, trying to exploit gaps with quick transitions in midfield.

Zambia’s persistence paid off in the 28th minute.

After a well-worked passing sequence down the left flank, Lubambo Musonda delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.

Kennedy Musonda rose to the occasion, guiding a powerful header past the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, to put the hosts in front.

However, Sierra Leone responded swiftly.

Five minutes later, Augustus Kargbo brought his side level with a composed finish after a series of slick passes left Zambia’s defence exposed.

His clinical strike from the edge of the penalty area ensured the teams went into halftime deadlocked at 1-1.

The second half began with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances, as the match entered a scrappy phase with neither team able to gain the upper hand.

Zambia’s breakthrough came in the 70th minute when substitute Kelvin Kampamba latched onto a clever passing move just outside the 18-yard box, curling his shot into the net to restore Zambia’s lead.

Yet, once again, Zambia’s advantage was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Hindolo Mustapha found himself unmarked inside the box and coolly slotted the ball home to equalize for Sierra Leone.

As the match approached its final moments, Zambia were awarded a free-kick just outside the area.

Kings Kangwa stepped up and, with a moment of brilliance, curled a beautiful effort past Kamara in the 85th minute.

His stunning strike sent the Zambian fans into raptures, sealing a dramatic and deserved victory for the Copper Bullets.

The win lifts Zambia to second place in Group G, giving them a crucial boost in their quest for AFCON qualification.

Sierra Leone, despite showing resilience, remain further down the table as their search for points continues.

Match Summary:

-Zambia: (1) 3 (Kennedy Musonda 28’, Kampamba 70’, Kangwa 85’)
– Sierra Leone: (1) 2 (Kargbo 33’, Mustapha 73’)

Team Line-ups:
– Zambia: Mulenga, Chepeshi, Sunzu, Chongo, L. Banda (J. Banda 46’), Chisala (Kampamba 66’), Chama (Sakala 90’), Chaiwa, L. Musonda, K. Musonda, Kangwa.

– Sierra Leone: Kamara, Samadia, Caulker, Kabia, Kakay, Koroma (Bundu 86’), Sillah, Kargbo (Dunia 86’), Kaikai (Michael 74’), Conteh (Mustapha 59’), Kamara (Kanu 59’).

Zambia will be looking to build on this crucial win as they move forward in their AFCON qualifying campaign.